NURSING DIAGNOSIS:
Risk for loneliness

fear of associating with others because of possibility of contracting an infection;

stigma and discrimination associated with the diagnosis of AIDS and others' fear of contracting HIV;

decreased participation in usual activities because of weakness, pain, fatigue, and fear of falls;

withdrawal from others associated with fear of embarrassment resulting from decline in physical and mental functioning.

Desired Outcome

The client will not experience a sense of isolation and loneliness as evidenced by:

maintenance of relationships with significant others

no expression of feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Nursing Actions and Selected Purposes/Rationales

Assess for indications of isolation and loneliness (e.g. absence of supportive significant others; uncommunicative; withdrawn; expression of feelings of rejection, being different from others, or being lonely; hostility; sad, dull affect).

Implement measures to decrease isolation and reduce the risk for loneliness:

assist client to identify reasons for feeling isolated and alone; aid him/her in developing a plan of action to reduce these feelings

reinforce physician's explanation about the immune deficiency; assure client that continued social contact with healthy people will not cause disease or infection

provide information to client and significant others about how HIV is known to be transmitted; assure them that HIV does not spread through ordinary physical contact

demonstrate acceptance of client using techniques such as touch and frequent visits